Multi layer cushions and positioners

ABSTRACT

Multilayered cushions and positioners include a plurality of compressible layers, at least of which may include a breathable chamber that holds compressible beads. The compressible beads may flow until an object is placed thereon or until the compressible layer is placed against a surface. A compressive force exerted by the object or the surface on the beads may compress them, causing the beads to conform to a shape of the object or surface and increasing a coefficient of friction of the beads, which may hold the beads in position and increase a rigidity of the cushion or positioner at the location thereof that receives the object or surface. An intermediate element, such as a pressurizable element, may be positioned between compressible layers to prevent forces exerted one of the compressible layers from being communicated directly to the other compressible layer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

A claim for priority is hereby made to the Feb. 14, 2022 filing date of U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/310,090, titled MULTI-LAYER CUSHIONS (“the ‘090 Provisional Application”), the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to cushions and positioners. More specifically, this disclosure relates to multilayered cushions and positioners. This disclosure also relates to cushions and positioners that include compressible beads or another compressible medium. Methods of manufacturing elements of cushions or positioners and methods of using cushions or positioners according to this disclosure are also disclosed.

SUMMARY

In various aspects according to this disclosure, a cushion or a positioner may include a plurality of superimposed layers, which may also be referred to as elements and as cushions. The cushion or positioner may include a base that conforms to and remains in place on a surface and an upper surface that conforms to a shape of an object to support and optionally cushion the object.

Such a cushion or positioner may include two or more layers at least partially superimposed with each other, with each layer comprising an element of the cushion or positioner. Without limitation, a two-layer cushion or positioner may include a stabilizing layer and an upper element. The stabilizing layer may also be referred to as a base layer or as a lower support layer. The upper element may also be referred to as a cushioning element and/or as a micro-adjustable element. A configuration of the stabilizing layer may enable it to conform to a shape of a surface against which the stabilizing layer is placed and to substantially retain its conformation to the shape of the surface; for example, as the stabilizing layer is placed against the surface and the weight of an object (e.g., part of a subject’s body, etc.) is placed on the upper element of the cushion or positioner, regardless of whether the object remains on the upper element of the cushion or positioner. By conforming to the shape of the surface and maintaining such conformation, the stabilizing layer may hold the cushion or positioner in place upon the surface. The upper element of such a cushion or positioner may receive an object to be supported by the cushion or positioner. As the upper element receives the object, the upper element may conform to a shape of the object. The upper element may even cushion the object.

A three-layer cushion or positioner may include a stabilizing layer and an upper element, as well as an intermediate element positioned between the stabilizing layer and the upper element; thus, the stabilizing layer, the intermediate element, and the upper element may be at least partially superimposed with one another. The intermediate element may isolate the conformation and/or cushioning provided by the base element from the conformation and/or cushioning provided by the upper element. Such isolation may prevent the application of pressure by the surface against which the base element of the cushion or positioner has been placed to an object that has been placed against the upper element of the cushion or positioner.

Cushions or positioners that include more than three layers, or elements, that are at least partially superimposed with one another are also within the scope of this disclosure.

In embodiments where a cushion or positioner includes three or more layers, or elements, the intermediate element may be smaller than the stabilizing layer and/or the upper element. Thus, the intermediate element may have at least one lateral dimension (i.e., a length, a width, a diagonal, etc.) that is less than a corresponding lateral dimension of the stabilizing layer and/or the upper element. In some embodiments, each lateral dimension (e.g., the length, the width, the diagonal, etc.) of the stabilizing layer and/or each lateral dimension of the upper element may exceed its corresponding lateral dimension of the intermediate element.

In more specific embodiments of such cushions or positioners, the lateral shapes of the stabilizing layer, the intermediate element, and the upper element may rectangular or even square. The stabilizing layer and the upper element may be substantially the same size as one another or the same size as one another.

In another aspect, the layers, or elements, of a cushion or positioner may include the same compressible media or different compressible media.

An element of a cushion or positioner, such as the stabilizing layer and/or the upper element, may include a breathable chamber that carries and contains a compressible medium. Together, the breathable chamber and the compressible medium may define a conformable layer. The breathable chamber may be formed from a suitable pliable material that will hold the compressible medium. In addition, air may readily pass through the breathable chamber or a portion thereof. The breathable chamber may be formed from a material (e.g., a fabric, etc.) that enables it to breathe. Alternatively, the breathable chamber may include one or more ventilation ports (e.g., breathable fabrics, filters, valves, etc.) that enable it to breathe. As another alternative, a combination of a material and one or more ventilation ports may enable the breathable chamber to breathe.

The compressible medium may have an uncompressed state and a compressed state. When uncompressed, the compressible medium may flow freely throughout the breathable chamber. When compressed, particles of the compressible medium may flatten as they are forced against each other. The coefficient of friction of the surfaces of particles of the compressed compressible medium may prevent them from flowing relative to one another, enabling the compressible medium to define a semi-rigid layer. Thus, the conformable layer (of which the compressible medium is a part) may transition between flowable and semi-rigid states.

In use, the compressible medium may be compressed under the weight of an object, such as a body part (e.g., as an individual’s head, back, torso, hips, legs, feet, etc., rests on the element, etc.). The breathable chamber and the compressible medium therein may contour to the shape of the object (e.g., the body part) and/or to a surface that supports the element. When compressed, air may be expelled from interstitial spaces between particles of the compressible medium and from the breathable chamber. As friction increases between the compressed particles, the compressible medium may define a semi-rigid layer that conforms to a shape of the object and/or to a shape of the surface that supports the compressible layer and/or the element of which the compressible layer is a part. A volume of compressible medium within the breathable chamber may be sufficient to enable a portion of the compressible medium to remain between the object and a surface upon which the cushion rests.

Upon removal of a compressive force (e.g., by lifting the object, etc.), particles of the compressible medium may expand when compressive force is removed, pulling air into the breathable chamber and the interstices between the particles. As the particles of the compressible medium return to their initial, relaxed shapes, the surface contact and, thus, the friction between adjacent particles of the compressible medium are reduced. Thus, the particles may again flow relative to one another.

Alternatively, one or both of the stabilizing layer and the upper element may comprise a fluidized medium, such as lubricated microspheres (e.g., microspheres lubricated with liquid silicone, etc.), in a sealed bladder (e.g., a polyurethane bladder, etc.). While an element that comprises a fluidized medium may be compressible due to the ability of the fluidized medium to flow from one location to another within the sealed bladder, the fluidized medium of such an element may be substantially incompressible.

The intermediate element (or intermediate elements) may comprise one or more air cells. The air cell(s) may allow for some movement (e.g., micro-movement, etc.) of the upper element (e.g., a micro-adjustable layer, etc.) and, thus, an object supported by the upper element (e.g., when the object is at least partially surrounded by, or immersed in, the upper element 40, etc.). The air cell may attenuate the forces generated by the object (e.g., by the force of gravity on the object, etc.) and disperse them into the underlying stabilizing layer. In this regard, the air cell(s) may spread the force applied by the object over a much larger surface area than the area of the upper element occupied by the object. For example, the air cell(s) may spread the force applied by the object across an entire area of the stabilizing layer of the cushion or positioner.

In addition to including two or more layers, or elements, that are at least partially superimposed with one another, a cushion or positioner according to this disclosure may include a cover, or an outer shell, that surrounds the at least partially superimposed layers, or elements. In various embodiments of a cushion or positioner according to this disclosure with three or more layers, one or more peripheral edges of an outer cover may be secured to one or more corresponding peripheral edges of each intermediate layer and the stabilizing layer, while the upper element may be positioned between, but detached from, or “float,” between the outer cover and the intermediate element(s). The upper element may be removably positioned between the outer cover and the intermediate element(s).

In a specific embodiment, a cushion or positioner may include a first side and a second side. The first side may include a breathable chamber and a compressible medium within the breathable chamber and may be conformable to an object placed thereagainst. A force of the object on the compressible medium may increases a coefficient of friction between elements of the compressible medium and increase a rigidity of a portion of the micro adjustable layer against which the body part is placed. The second side of the cushion or positioner, which is located opposite from the first side, may include a pliable bladder containing a fluidized medium. Together, the pliable bladder and the fluidized medium may define a cushion. Optionally, one or more intermediate layers or elements may be provided between the first side and the second side. The one or more intermediate layers or elements may be pressurized or pressurizable (e.g., they may comprise air bladders, etc.). A cover may be provided over such a cushion or positioner.

In some embodiments, a positioner may be designed for placement beneath a chest of a subject while the subject is in a prone position to assist a subject in breathing. Such a positioner may include a first cushion, a second cushion, and a third cushion. The first cushion, which may be an upper element of the positioner, may comprise a pliable, breathable chamber containing a compressible, conformable medium. A force of a body part of the subject against the compressible, conformable medium may increase a rigidity of the first cushion and/or the third cushion. The second cushion, which may be an intermediate element of the positioner, may be located adjacent to the first cushion and comprise an air chamber. The third cushion, which may be a stabilizing layer of the positioner, may be located adjacent to the second cushion, on an opposite side of the second cushion from the first cushion. The third cushion may comprise a pliable, breathable chamber containing a compressible, conformable medium.

In other embodiments, the first cushion of a positioner designed for placement beneath a chest of a subject in a prone position to assist the subject in breathing may include a pliable bladder containing a fluidized cushioning medium, while the second may comprise an air chamber and the third cushion may comprise a pliable, breathable chamber containing a compressible, conformable medium.

Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as features and advantages of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cushion or positioner that comprises two layers, including a stabilizing layer and an upper element;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of the cushion or positioner shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict variations of the embodiment of the cushion or positioner shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cushion or positioner that comprises three layers, including a stabilizing layer, an intermediate element, and an upper element, with the three layers being substantially the same size as each other;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of the cushion or positioner shown in FIG. 3 ;

FIGS. 4A-4G depict variations of the embodiment of the cushion or positioner shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 ;

FIG. 4H depicts a variation of the embodiment of the cushion or positioner shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 in which the cushion or positioner includes a plurality of superimposed intermediate elements;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cushion or positioner that comprises three layer, including a stabilizing layer, an intermediate element, and an upper element, with the intermediate element being laterally smaller than the stabilizing layer and the upper element;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional representation of the embodiment of the cushion shown in FIG. 5 ;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional representation of an embodiment of a conformable layer of a cushion or positioner that comprises a breathable chamber that contains a compressible medium;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the conformable layer shown in FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional representation of an embodiment of a conformable layer of a cushion or positioner that comprises a bladder that contains a fluidized medium;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the conformable layer shown in FIG. 9 ;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cushion or positioner in which opposite peripheral edges of the cover, corresponding peripheral edges of an intermediate element of the cushion or positioner, and, optionally, corresponding peripheral edges of a stabilizing layer of the cushion or positioner are secured to each other while an upper element of the cushion or positioner is merely placed between a top portion of the cover and an intermediate element;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cushion or positioner in which three consecutive peripheral edges of the cover, corresponding peripheral edges of an intermediate element of the cushion or positioner, and, optionally, corresponding peripheral edges of a stabilizing layer of the cushion or positioner are secured to each other while an upper element of the cushion or positioner is merely placed between a top portion of the cover and an intermediate element; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cushion or positioner in which all of the peripheral edges of the cover, corresponding peripheral edges of an intermediate element of the cushion or positioner, and, optionally, corresponding peripheral edges of a stabilizing layer of the cushion or positioner are secured to each other while an upper element of the cushion or positioner is merely placed between a top portion of the cover and an intermediate element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , an embodiment of a cushion or positioner 10 that includes two layers is shown. The cushion or positioner 10 includes a stabilizing layer 20 and an upper element 40. The stabilizing layer 20 may comprise a base of the cushion or positioner 10 and may be made to conform to and be positioned against a surface against which the cushion or positioner 10 is to be positioned and rest. The upper element 40 may comprise a cushioning element of the cushion or positioner 10, and may receive an object (e.g., part of an individual, etc.) that is to be cushioned or positioned.

The stabilizing layer 20 and the upper element 40 may be superimposed relative to each other. In some embodiments, such as that depicted by FIGS. 1 and 2 , the stabilizing layer 20 and the upper element 40 may have substantially the same or the same shapes and lateral (i.e., x-axis, y-axis) dimensions as each other.

While FIG. 2 shows the stabilizing layer 20 having a thickness and/or a volume that are substantially the same as a thickness and/or a volume of the upper element 40, embodiments where the stabilizing layer 20 is thicker and/or has a greater volume than the upper element 40, as shown in FIG. 2A, and embodiments where the stabilizing layer 20 is thinner and/or has a smaller volume than the upper element 40, as shown in FIG. 2B, are also within the scope of this disclosure.

Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4 , an embodiment of a cushion or positioner 10′ that includes three layers is shown. The cushion or positioner 10′ includes a stabilizing layer 20, an intermediate element 30, and an upper element 40. The stabilizing layer 20 may comprise a base of the cushion or positioner 10 and may be made to conform to and be positioned against a surface against which the cushion or positioner 10 is to be positioned and rest. The upper element 40 may comprise a cushioning element of the cushion or positioner 10, and may receive an object (e.g., part of an individual, etc.) that is to be cushioned or positioned. The intermediate layer 30, which may be positioned between the stabilizing layer 20 and the upper element 40, may at least partially isolate the conformability of the stabilizing layer 20 from the cushioning of the upper element 40.

The stabilizing layer 20, the intermediate element 30, and the upper element 40 may be superimposed relative to each other. In some embodiments, such as that depicted by FIGS. 3 and 4 , the stabilizing layer 20, the intermediate element 30 and the upper element 40 may have substantially the same or the same shapes and lateral (i.e., x-axis, y-axis) dimensions as each other. In other embodiments, such as the embodiment of cushion or positioner 10″ depicted by FIGS. 5 and 6 , the intermediate element 30″ may be smaller (i.e., have at least one lateral, or x-y dimension that is shorter than) the stabilizing layer 20 and upper element 40.

While FIG. 4 shows the stabilizing layer 20, intermediate element 30, and upper element 40 as having thicknesses and/or volumes that are substantially the same, embodiments where the thicknesses and/or volumes of the stabilizing layer 20, intermediate element 30, and upper element 40 differ from each other are also within the scope of this disclosure. For example, FIG. 4A depicts an embodiment where the intermediate element 30 is thinner and/or has a smaller volume than the stabilizing layer 20 and the upper element 40. FIG. 4B depicts an embodiment where the intermediate layer 30 is thicker and/or has a greater volume than the stabilizing layer 20 and the upper element 40. FIG. 4C depicts an embodiment where the stabilizing layer 20 is thinner and/or has a smaller volume than the intermediate element 30 and the upper element 40. FIG. 4D depicts an embodiment where the stabilizing layer 20 is thicker and/or has a greater volume than the intermediate element 30 and the upper element 40. FIG. 4E depicts an embodiment where the upper element 40 is thinner and/or has a smaller volume than the stabilizing layer 20 and the intermediate element 30. FIG. 4F depicts an embodiment where the upper element 40 is thicker and/or has a greater volume than the stabilizing layer 20 and the intermediate element 30. Of course, other embodiments, including embodiments in which the thicknesses and/or volumes of the stabilizing layer 20, intermediate element 30, and upper element 40 (see, e.g., FIG. 4G) all differ from each other are also within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 4H shows an embodiment of a cushion or positioner 10‴ with a plurality of intermediate elements 30 between a stabilizing layer 20 and an upper element 40. The cushion or positioner 10‴ may include three intermediate elements 30 in an at least partially superimposed arrangement. A middle intermediate element 30 m may have at least one dimension that is smaller than a corresponding dimension of the intermediate elements 30 u and 30 l on each side of the middle intermediate element 30 m.

In various embodiments, one or both of the stabilizing layer 20 and upper element 40 of a cushion or positioner 10 (FIGS. 1-2B), 10′ (FIGS. 3-4G), 10″ (FIGS. 5-6 ), 10‴ (FIG. 4H) of this disclosure may, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , comprise a conformable layer with a breathable chamber 50 and a compressible medium 60 within the breathable chamber 50. As a non-limiting example, the chamber 50 of such a stabilizing layer 20 or upper element 40 may comprise an outer shell 52 that holds the compressible medium 60.

The outer shell 52 of breathable chamber 50 may be formed from a pliable material. The pliability of the outer shell 52 may enable it to conform to the shape of an adjacent object, such as an individual’s body part (e.g., a head, a back, a torso, a hip or hips, a leg or legs, a foot or feet, etc., rest on the cushion, etc.) and/or to a surface on which the conformable layer or the cushion 10, 10′, 10″, 10‴ of which the conformable layer is a part rests.

In some embodiments, the outer shell 52 may be formed from a material (e.g., a fabric, etc.) that enables the outer shell 52 to breathe. For example, the outer shell 52 may comprise a fabric (e.g., a loosely knit fabric, etc.), a breathable film, a mesh, or the like. Alternatively, the outer shell 52 may be formed from a material through which air may not readily pass, but it may include one or more ventilation ports 54 (e.g., breathable fabrics, filters, valves, etc.) that enable air to pass into and/or out of the breathable chamber 50. As another alternative, a combination of a material of the outer shell 52 and one or more ventilation ports 54 may enable the breathable chamber 50 to breathe.

The outer shell 52 may be defined by cutting a material and securing edges of the material together in a manner that defines the outer shell 52 and its interior 58. The edges of the material may be secured together in any suitable manner to define seams 53 of the outer shell 52. A few examples include conventional sewing, ultrasonically sewing, heat-sealing, and radiofrequency (rf) welding. The manner in which edges of the material are secured together may depend upon the material used to form the outer shell 52.

In a specific embodiment, the breathable chamber 50 may include an outer shell 52 that comprises a pliable material that provides a barrier to microorganisms (e.g., viruses, bacteria, fungi, mold, etc.), including harmful pathogens. The outer shell 52 may comprise a suitable polymer (e.g., a polymer-coated (e.g., waterproof, etc.) fabric, a polymer film, etc.) that enables its seams to be sealed (e.g., ultrasonically sewn, heat-sealed, rf welded, bonded, etc.). In addition, the breathable chamber 50 may include at least one ventilation port 54 through the outer shell 52, which may enable air to flow into and/or out of an interior 58 of the breathable chamber 50. More specifically, a cover 56 over the at least one ventilation port 54 may enable air to flow into and/or out of the interior 58 of the breathable chamber 50 while preventing microorganisms outside of the breathable chamber 50 from entering into the interior 58 and/or while preventing microorganisms within the interior 58 from exiting the breathable chamber 50. The cover 56 over the ventilation port 54 may comprise a filter, such as that disclosed by U.S. Patents 8,561,233 and 8,950,028 of Pneuma Pure L.P. Limited and marketed as PNEUMAPURE® filters.

The compressible medium 60 may comprise a collection of particles 62. The particles 62 may flow when uncompressed but provide a more rigid structure when compressed. Such particles 62 may have three-dimensional shapes in their normal, natural, or relaxed states and be flattened when forced into compressed or stressed states. For example, particles 62 that are round (e.g., spherical, spheroid, etc.) in their normal, natural, or relaxed states may be compressed into more flattened shapes (e.g., ovoid, spheroid, ellipsoid (e.g., pancake), shapes, etc.). The particles 62 may substantially return to their normal, natural, or relaxed shapes upon removal of a compressive load (e.g., an object, such as a body part, etc.) therefrom.

In a specific embodiment, the particles 62 of the compressible medium 60 may comprise compressible beads. The compressible beads may be porous. In some embodiments, the compressible beads may comprise foam beads. More specifically, the foam beads may comprise expanded polyethylene beads. The polyethylene beads may be of any suitable size; for example, they may have diameters as small as about 1 µm to as large as about 2 mm. The foam beads may comprise the polyethylene beads available from JSP International Group, Ltd, of Wayne, Pennsylvania, such as the white polyethylene beads having a density of 14.4 g/L to 18.0 g/L and sold as ARPAK® 4313 polyethylene beads.

As an alternative to compressible beads, other compressible media 60 can be used. For example, the particles 62 that have non-linear, three-dimensional, elongated shapes (e.g., nonlinear fibers, such as polyfiber, microfiber, etc.) in their normal, natural, or relaxed state may be compressed into more flattened shapes.

In some embodiments, a material that enables temperature regulation (e.g., a phase change material, etc.) may be used in place of the compressible medium or in addition to compressible medium.

When such a conformable layer serves as a stabilizing layer 20, the conformable layer may conform to a contour or shape of a surface against which the stabilizing layer 20 is placed, or surface that supports the stabilizing layer 20 and the cushion or positioner 10, 10′, 10″, 10‴ of which the lower stabilizing layer is a part. When the conformable layer serves as an upper element 40, the conformable layer may conform to a body part of an individual or another object placed on or forced against the upper element 40.

As the conformable layer is forced against a surface or as an object is forced against the conformable layer (e.g., under force of gravity acting upon the object, etc.), the compressible medium will initially flow away from any protruding features of the surface or the object. As the compressible medium flows away from the protruding features or the object, it may enable the protruding features or the object to be received by, or immersed in, the conformable layer. As the conformable layer receives the protruding features or the object, at least some of the compressible medium that receives the protruding features or the object is forced is compressed. As the compressible medium is compressed, the coefficient of friction between adjacent particles of the compressible medium increases, reducing the ability of the compressible medium within the compressed, conforming portion of the conformable layer to flow relative to each other and causing the compressed, conforming portion of the micro-adjustable layer to become semi-rigid. As the rigidity of the compressed, conforming portion of the conformable layer increases, it secures the cushion or positioner laterally in place against the surface or supports the object and may maintain a position and/or an orientation of the object.

The compressible medium 60 of such a conformable layer flows when uncompressed but experiences regional rigidity (i.e., rigidity at each location where compressive force is applied) when compressed. Thus, such a conformable layer may be referred to as a “micro-adjustable layer.”

In embodiments where both the upper element 40 and the stabilizing layer 20 of a cushion or positioner 10′ (FIGS. 1-2B), 10′ (FIGS. 3-4G), 10″ (FIGS. 5-6 ), 10‴ (FIG. 4H) comprise a compressible medium 60, the density of the compressible medium 60 of the upper element 40 may be less than, substantially the same as, or greater than the density of compressible medium 60 of the stabilizing layer 20. In embodiments where flow-ability of the compressible medium 60 of the upper element 40 is desirable, the density of the compressible medium 60 of the upper element 40 may be less than the density of the compressible medium 60 of the stabilizing layer 20, meaning that the upper element 40 is more likely to remain conformable than the stabilizing layer 20, which is more likely to become rigid, when an object rests on or is forced against the upper element 40 of the cushion or positioner 10, 10′, 10″, 10‴.

As an alternative to including a compressible medium 60, a stabilizing layer 20 and/or an upper element 40 of a cushion or positioner 10 (FIGS. 1-2B), 10′ (FIGS. 3-4G), 10″ (FIGS. 5-6 ), 10‴ (FIG. 4H) of this disclosure may, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , comprise a conformable layer that includes a fluidized medium 80 such as a mixture of microspheres 82 and a lubricant 84 (e.g., silicone, etc.) in a sealed bladder 70 (e.g., a polyurethane bladder, etc.). The microspheres 82 may be lubricated with the lubricant 84, the lubricant 84 may fill interstitial spaces between the microspheres 82, or the microspheres 82 may be dispersed throughout the lubricant 84. While conformable layer that comprises a fluidized medium 80 may be compressible due to the ability of the fluidized medium 80 to flow from one location to another within the sealed bladder 70, the fluidized medium 80 of such a conformable layer may be substantially incompressible.

The intermediate layer(s) 30 of a cushion or positioner 10′ (FIGS. 3-4G), 10″ (FIGS. 5-6 ), 10‴ (FIG. 4H) may be pressurized or pressurizable (e.g., they may comprise one or more air cells, etc.). The intermediate element(s) 30 of such a cushion may allow for some movement (e.g., micro-movement, etc.) of the upper element 40 and, thus, the object once the upper element 40 conforms to and supports the object (e.g., when the object is at least partially surrounded by, or immersed in, the upper element 40 (e.g., surrounded by a cushioning medium (e.g., a compressible medium 60 (FIGS. 7-8 ), a fluidized medium 80 (FIGS. 9-10 ), etc.) of the upper element 40, etc.). The intermediate element(s) 30 may attenuate the forces generated by the object (e.g., by the force of gravity on the object, etc.) and disperse them into the underlying stabilizing layer 20. In this regard, the intermediate element(s) 30 may spread the force applied by the object over a much larger surface area than the area of the upper element 40 occupied by the object. For example, the intermediate element(s) 30 may spread the force applied by the object across an entire area of the stabilizing layer 20 of the cushion or positioner 10′, 10″.

The intermediate element(s) 30 may be pressurized to enable it (them) to support the object without allowing the object to bottom out through the intermediate element(s) 30. Pressurization of the intermediate element(s) 30 may impart the intermediate element(s) 30 with bounce or buoyancy; i.e., the intermediate element(s) 30 may not be inflated to a maximum pressure, which may otherwise render it (them) substantially rigid. Pressurization of the intermediate element(s) 30 may provide structural stability for the upper element 40. In addition, the extent to which the intermediate element(s) 30 is (are) pressurized may limit the rigidity of the upper element 40. Pressurization of the intermediate element(s) 30 may enable a cushioning medium (e.g., a compressible medium 60 (FIGS. 7-8 ), a fluidized medium 80 (FIGS. 9-10 ), etc.) of the upper element 40 above the intermediate element(s) 30 to move independently of the cushioning medium (e.g., a compressible medium 60, a fluidized medium 80, etc.) of the stabilizing layer 20 beneath the intermediate element(s) 30. More specifically, the intermediate element(s) 30 may break up the continuity between the upper element 40 and the stabilizing layer 20, enabling the upper element 40 and the stabilizing layer 20 to be deformed independently from one another. Even more specifically, the intermediate element(s) 30 may prevent forces that are applied to the upper element 40 from being communicated directly to the stabilizing layer 20. Thus, as an object rests upon the cushion or positioner 10′, 10″ and deforms the upper element 40, the intermediate element(s) 30 may prevent the object from deforming the stabilizing layer 20, instead distributing pressure across an area occupied by the stabilizing layer 20 to enable it to more broadly conform (i.e., conform over a larger surface area) to a surface on which it rests, or by which it is supported (e.g., in embodiments where the cushion comprises a pillow, a surface of a mattress, etc.).

In some embodiments, each intermediate element 30 may comprise a static air chamber. In other embodiments, each intermediate element 30 may include a valve to enable adjustment of the pressure within the intermediate element 30. In still other embodiments, each intermediate element 30 may comprise a perforated bladder, which may be associated with a continuous source of positive pressure (e.g., an air pump, etc.) to provide a low air loss system that provides some ventilation.

Turning now to FIGS. 11-13 , in addition to including two or more layers, or elements, such as at least one stabilizing layer 20, at least one upper element 40, and one or more optional intermediate elements 30, that are at least partially superimposed with one another, a cushion or positioner 110 of this disclosure may include a cover 120. The cover 120 may surround the at least partially superimposed layers, or elements. In some embodiments, the cover 120 may hold the at least partially superimposed layers, or elements, in a desired arrangement. The cover 120 may even be secured to at least some of the superimposed layers, or elements.

In various embodiments of a cushion or positioner 10′ (FIGS. 3-4G), 10″ (FIGS. 5-6 ), 10‴ (FIG. 4H) with three or more layers, or elements, corresponding peripheral edges 122 of the cover 120, peripheral edges 22 of the stabilizing layer 20, and/or peripheral edges 32 of each intermediate element 30 may be secured to one another, while the upper element 40 may be positioned between, but detached from, or “float,” between a top portion 124 of the cover 120 and the uppermost intermediate element 30. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , a pair of opposite peripheral edges 122 a and 122 b of the cover 120 may be secured to a corresponding opposite pair of peripheral edges 32 a and 32 b of the intermediate element(s) 30 and, optionally, to a corresponding opposite pair of peripheral edges 22 a and 22 b of the stabilizing layer 20, while another pair of opposite peripheral edges 122 c and 122 d of the cover 120 may remain detached or be detachable from another corresponding pair of opposite edges 32 c and 32 d of the intermediate element(s) 30 and from a corresponding opposite pair of peripheral edges 22 c and 22 d of the stabilizing layer 20. As another example, as shown in FIG. 12 , three consecutive peripheral edges 122 a, 122 b, and 122 c of the cover 120, three corresponding consecutive peripheral edges 32 a, 32 b, and 32 c of the intermediate element(s) 30 and, optionally, three corresponding consecutive peripheral edges 22 a, 22 b, and 22 c of the stabilizing layer 20 may be secured to one another, while at least one other peripheral edge 122 d of the cover 120, at least one corresponding peripheral edge 32 d of the intermediate element(s) 30, and at least one corresponding peripheral edge 22 d of the stabilizing layer 22 may remain detached or be detachable from each other. Such embodiments may enable the introduction of an upper element 40 between the top portion 124 of the cover 120 and the intermediate element(s) 30, as well as removal of the upper element 40 from between the cover 120 and the intermediate element(s) 30 and, optionally, placement of another upper element 40 between the top portion 124 of the cover 120 and the intermediate layer(s). Any unsecured peripheral edges may be removably secured to each other (e.g., with suitable fasteners, such as touch fasteners, a zipper, snaps, buttons and buttonholes, etc.) to provide selective access to an interior of the cover 120.

In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13 , all of the peripheral edges 122 a-122 d of the cover 120 may be secured to all of the corresponding peripheral edges 32 a-32 d of the intermediate element(s) 30 and, optionally, to all of the corresponding peripheral edges 22 a-22 d of the stabilizing layer 20, while none of the peripheral edges 42 a-42 d of the upper element 40 between the top portion 104 of the cover 120 and the intermediate element(s) 30 are secured to corresponding peripheral edges 122 a-122 d of the cover 120, or corresponding peripheral edges 32 a-32 d of the intermediate element(s) 30, or corresponding peripheral edges 22 a-22 d of the stabilizing layer 20. In some embodiments, suitable coupling processes (e.g., ultrasonically sewing, heat-sealing, rf welding, bonding, etc.) may be employed to secure peripheral edges 122 of the cover 120 to corresponding peripheral edges 32 of the intermediate element(s) 30 and/or to corresponding peripheral edges 22 of the stabilizing layer 20.

With such an arrangement, in embodiments where the upper element 40 comprise a compressible medium 60 (FIGS. 7-8 ), the upper element 40 and the compressible medium 60 thereof may become semi-rigid when an object, such as a body part, is placed on the cushion or positioner 10′ (FIGS. 3-4G), 10″ (FIGS. 5-6 ), 10‴ (FIG. 4H) but continue to flow enough to enable movement of the object. For example, the compressible medium 60 of the upper element 40 may continue to flow enough under such a load to accommodate the movement that occurs as a prone patient, who lies on their stomach (a desired position for various conditions, such as COVID-19 patients), inhales. The continued ability of the compressible medium 60 of the upper element 40 to flow somewhat may be due to buoyancy of an intermediate element 30 of the cushion or positioner 10′, 10″, which allows the intermediate element 30 to give when forces against the upper element 40 change. The continued ability of the compressible medium 60 of the upper element 40 to continue flow somewhat when placed under a load may also be due to a density of the compressible medium 60 of the upper element 40.

Although the preceding disclosure provides many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of any of the claims that follow, but merely as providing illustrations of some embodiments of elements and features of the disclosed subject matter. Other embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, and of their elements and features, may be devised which do not depart from the spirit or scope of any of the claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. Accordingly, the scope of each claim is limited only by its plain language and the legal equivalents thereto. 

What is claimed:
 1. A multi layer cushion, comprising: a cover; a micro-adjustable layer; an air cell beneath the micro-adjustable layer; and a lower support layer beneath the air cell and conformable to a surface upon which the multi-layer cushion is placed, at least one of the micro-adjustable layer and the lower support layer including a breathable chamber and a compressible medium within the breathable chamber, the air cell at least partially isolating a conformability of the lower support layer from a conformability of the micro-adjustable layer and spreading the force of the body part across the lower support layer, the force of the body part increasing a coefficient of friction between elements of the compressible medium.
 2. The multi-layer cushion of claim 1, wherein the other of the micro-adjustable layer and the lower support layer comprises a bladder with a fluidized medium therein.
 3. The multi-layer cushion of claim 1, wherein the lower support layer includes the breathable chamber and the compressible medium and the force of the body part on the micro-adjustable layer and the air cell increases a rigidity of the compressible medium across substantially all of the lower support layer.
 4. The multi-layer cushion of claim 3, wherein the micro-adjustable layer also includes a breathable chamber and a compressible medium within the breathable chamber.
 5. The multi-layer cushion of claim 4, wherein a density of the compressible medium of the micro-adjustable layer differs from a density of the compressible medium of the lower support layer.
 6. The multi-layer cushion of claim 5, wherein the density of the compressible medium of the micro-adjustable layer is less than the density of the compressible medium of the lower support layer.
 7. The multi-layer cushion of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises an antimicrobial filter.
 8. The multi-layer cushion of claim 1, wherein the compressible medium of the micro-adjustable layer and the compressible medium of the lower support layer comprise compressible beads.
 9. The multi-layer cushion of claim 8, wherein the compressible beads of the micro-adjustable layer and the compressible beads of the lower support layer comprise expanded polyethylene beads.
 10. The multi-layer cushion of claim 1, wherein the micro-adjustable layer is positioned between but remains detached from the cover and the air cell.
 11. A positioner for placement beneath a chest of a subject while the subject is in a prone position to assist a subject in breathing, comprising: a first cushion having a first width and a first height; a second cushion adjacent to the first cushion and having a second width and a second height; and a third cushion adjacent to the second cushion, on an opposite side of the second cushion from the first cushion, and having a third width and a third height, the second width being less than the first width and the third width, and/or the second height being less than the first height and the third height.
 12. The positioner of claim 11, wherein each of the first cushion, the second cushion, and the third cushion comprises an air chamber.
 13. The positioner of claim 11, wherein each of the first cushion and the third cushion comprises a pliable, breathable chamber containing a compressible, conformable medium and the third cushion comprises an air cushion.
 14. The positioner of claim 13, wherein the second cushion comprises an air chamber.
 15. The positioner of claim 13, wherein force of a body part of the subject against the compressible, conformable medium increases a rigidity of the first cushion and/or the third cushion.
 16. The positioner of claim 11, wherein the at least one breathable chamber comprises a filter.
 17. A multi layer cushion, comprising: an outer shell; a first side including a breathable chamber and a compressible medium within the breathable chamber, the first side conformable to an object placed thereagainst, force of the body object on the compressible medium increasing a coefficient of friction between elements of the compressible medium and increasing a rigidity of a portion of the micro adjustable layer against which the body part is placed; and a second side opposite from the first side and comprising a pliable bladder containing fluidized cushioning medium. 